Natural structures, from geologic formations and plant growth patterns to the constructions that animals make, have long been sources of inspiration for Jeanne Gang and her architectural practice, Studio Gang. This exhibition reveals how bird nests — a particularly complex form of animal architecture — have influenced the thinking, research, and design approach of Studio Gang. Featured works on display range from pastel drawings and architectural models to designed objects and animated video, including a new hands-on installation that invites visitors to build like a bird.

Organized by Studio Gang and guest curator Craig Lee, the show is anchored by a sculptural reinstallation of over seventy ceramic nesting vessels created for The Living Orders of Venice, Studio Gang's contribution to the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. Designed as novel habitats for important bird species in Venice, the seven vessel types can be configured to different urban surfaces, creating functional and beautiful avian dwellings adaptable to any built environment.

Other works reflect how attention to birds and nestmaking extends to architectural projects and personal interests. Speculative designs for an environmental center on Chicago's Southeast Side and the American Museum of Natural History in New York translate principles of nest construction to the scale of buildings. The Flyway, a viewing platform located on a major migratory route along the Mississippi River, demonstrates how design can respond to avian behavior while also providing a place to appreciate it — an intent familiar to Gang as an avid birder herself.